David, I have the same manual and instructions. What I needed was a schematic that showed where all the parts go. I found one on EBay from a guy who was selling the assembly. Excellent way to market your parts. I've included the link so you can see it. Anyway, I am now figuring out if I should buy a new shift rod assembly and other parts. What I really need is a new ignition switch with a key. The guy (my brother) who gave me the car lost the key...ug.

try asking the people at eeuroparts.com - i asked them for a turbo part, and they sent me an e-mail of this HUGE exploded view of the turbo (and its system components) - which was not on their webpage. maybe they could send you one of the ignition/shifter?

Juneau, let me offer to you what (who) has proven to me to be of a great help with just this very issue, even to the extent of supplying all necessary parts:www.saabsavior.com
John, there at Saab Savior, has proven to be an invaluable (and unexhaustable), resource for me on issues concerning my first generation 900's.
I'm sure that he could be of equal service to you, if not more (ask him about his "shifters").

I've been trying to get into my webspace, but since the server move it's borked I also lost my photo gallery I'll get that started again and put a couple of pics on, which may or may not be of use!

edit: try now. Click the link in my sig. If the spring is broken, you might be better off getting a repair kit. Did your mechanism to stop you removing the key until the car is in reverse work before you dismantled the mechanism?

When installing a manual shift box to my converted 900 (previously automatic) I made a point to remove the three or four pieces that comprise the reverse lock.
Not necessary and PITA sometimes. If I remember correctly parts include pivot pin, lever with gear teeth on one end, hair spring .